PIPELINE VANDALISM THREATENS NIGERIA’S $20BN GAS INVESTMENTS

Pipeline Infrastructure Nigeria Limited (PINL) has warned that pipeline vandalism, crude oil theft, and other forms of sabotage could undermine more than $20 billion in gas investments secured by Nigeria within the past year.

The company said the gas sale and purchase agreements represent a major opportunity to expand Nigeria’s gas economy, stimulate industrial growth, create jobs, and strengthen energy security.

According to PINL, the agreements cover about 1.29 billion standard cubic feet of gas per day for long-term LNG feedstock and an additional 750 million standard cubic feet per day for domestic industrial gas supply.

The company noted that major infrastructure projects are also progressing, including the Obiafu-Obrikom-Oben Gas Pipeline, which is about 98 per cent complete, and the Ajaokuta-Kaduna-Kano Gas Pipeline, which has reached about 94 per cent completion.

PINL General Manager, Community and Stakeholders Relations, Akpos Mezeh, said protecting the infrastructure needed to deliver the investments should remain a national priority.

He urged traditional rulers, community leaders, youths, women, security agencies, and pipeline operators to work together to prevent vandalism and other threats to critical infrastructure.

Mezeh said community participation was particularly important because residents often have early knowledge of suspicious activities around pipeline corridors.

The company also called for stronger engagement with host communities through employment, skills development, entrepreneurship support, and other initiatives.

PINL said sustained cooperation among stakeholders would help protect energy infrastructure, attract further investment, and support Nigeria’s long-term economic development.